Decking screws: our tips for the right choice

To make a terrace installation a success, you have to choose the right screws. In this guide we will show you the different steps to get one Screwing the lid.

What shape of screws for a terrace?

Decking screws usually have a countersunk or reduced countersunk aspect. Nevertheless, one has the option of choosing other models for the aesthetic aspect.

- The flat head screw: This screw has a convex head that contrasts perfectly (and advantageously) with the decking board. The flat-head screw ensures a clean finish.

- Flat head screw: The flat head screw has the advantage of harmonizing with the shelf. Although it is a fairly inconspicuous screw, it looks like a nail.

How do you determine the length of a deck screw?

According to DTU 51.4 about exterior wood decks, the screw should measure 2.5 times the thickness of the plank.

In practice, the formula for determining the length of a deck propeller is as follows:

L= X x 2,5

X= thickness of the plank

You will also find an overview of the different screw sizes to use depending on the plank:

Thickness of the leaf

screw length

Minder and 22 mm

50mm

Between 22mm and 77mm

60mm

Larger than 27mm

70mm

How many screws do you need for the whole terrace?

The number of screws for an entire terrace cannot be determined exactly. However, it is possible to calculate approximately how many screws are needed for 1 m2 of surface. This method allows the craftsman to buy the screws that meet his needs without going overboard (although a small margin is always advisable).

In general, a 50 cm gap between the beams requires two stainless steel screws. 30 to 40 screws are therefore required for 1 m2 of terrace surface. With this reference you can see how many screws you need for X m2 area. X x 40 screws are therefore required for X m2 surface.

For a better understanding, we give a table as an example:

Square meters of the terrace

number of screws

1 m2

40 at

5 m2

200 total

12,5 m2

500 total

25 m2

1000 total

Why and how should you pre-drill your terrace?

Before screwing down your deck, don't forget to pre-drill the planks with a drill. Pre-drilling offers many advantages when designing a terrace.

A successful ending

The end result of a pre-drilled plank is much more natural and harmonious than that of a directly screwed plank.

A careful screw connection

Drilling through the deck before installing the screws ensures a careful screw connection and avoids the risk of damaging the plank, for example by moving it incorrectly.

Reinforced mounting

When drilling with a drill, the screws hold much better

A reinforced closure

Pre-drilling with a drill holds the screws much better.

To pre-drill the blade.

- Get that Alesoire drill with a diameter of 4 ;

- Lightly drill into the shelf with this drill;

- Mill the decking board.

Note: It is difficult to drive a screw into decking if the hole is not pre-drilled. That's because planks are often materials that have no previous place to insert a screw.

What is the diameter of the screw diameter reamer?

screw diameter

Reamer diameter

2/3mm

4mm

4mm

5mm

5mm

6mm

6mm

8mm

7/8mm

10mm

9/10mm

12mm

11/12mm

14mm

Fixing the decking boards

After you have pre-drilled the spot to be screwed with the Alesoire drill (diameter 4), you only need to fix the decking boards with screws.

- Place the screw on the pre-drilled point;

- Insert the screw with a screwdriver;

- Enjoy the 100% natural look.

Some practical tips for building a terrace

- Lay the decking boards perpendicular to the step;

- Consider a slope of at least 2%. To facilitate drainage, the slope should be parallel to the wooden beams;

- Place rubber wedges under the wooden beams. This will aid water drainage and ensure that the wood is not damaged by contact with concrete.

So you should have a terrace structure like this:

Blade

lambrequin

Plastic wig

Concrete block

- The width of the beams must be at least twice the thickness of the plank;

- The supporting beams must be spaced no more than 400 to 500 mm apart

Some practical tips for building a terrace

Different regulations apply to the construction of a terrace.

From DTU 51.4

DTU 51.4 sets several conditions for the attachment of a deck. For example, the screw must be more than 2.5 times the size of the plank. The pre-drilling of each plank before screwing is also mentioned in this DTU.

The EN14592-standard

The EN14592 standard contains all the mechanical and geometric criteria that must be taken into account when building products with a wood structure are placed on the market.

The standard EN1

The EN14592 standard contains all the mechanical and geometric criteria to be taken into account when placing construction products with a wooden structure on the market.

To build a resistant and attractive terrace that meets the required regulations, you will find the best screws Screw-Express !

Related products

Product added to wishlist